Defense`s Feeds

A new phase in EDA’s testing and evaluation project of biological detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) equipment was launched on 26 February at a kick-off meeting at the Agency. Dubbed ‘T&E Bio DIM Phase 2’ (2020-2023) the project aims to deliver improved testing and evaluation capabilities to ensure the performance of biological DIM systems at the development and procurement stage. It follows up to the project’s first phase which prepared the ground and set the framework for further action in this domain.   

Five EDA Member States (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands) as well as Norway (which has signed an Administrative Agreement with the Agency) are participating in T&E Bio DIM Phase 2.

Detection, identification and monitoring of biological material are critical to enhancing situational awareness in a timely manner, supporting decisions, and enabling military commanders to take the most appropriate decisions in a recognized chemical and biological environment. Despite the importance of biological DIM, Europe still lacks coordination and harmonisation of the technical requirements for Member States’ test and evaluation (T&E) equipment. This makes it difficult to compare and exchange T&E results both within and between European countries as well as NATO members. It also causes duplication of effort and reduces the cost-effectiveness of both national and international military and civilian T&E efforts, e.g. by limiting the burden-sharing and cost-reduction potential that could have been realised. 

In Phase 1 of the project, a general framework (in the form of a set of commonly defined requirements and criteria) was developed for T&E of biological DIM equipment. Based on this framework, Phase 2 is set to deliver improved testing and evaluation capabilities.
 

T&E Bio DIM Phase2 kick-off meeting at EDA on 26 February 2020
 

European Bio Defence Laboratory Network 

Moreover, another related EDA project is under preparation, the European Bio Defence Laboratory Network (EBLN Phase II), which will aim to strengthen EU preparedness by establishing a fully characterised collection of biological agents and a closely collaborating laboratory network at EU level in order to rapidly identify biothreat agents. Participating Member States in EBLN II are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden.

The two projects are part of EDA’s long term research efforts to enhance Member States’ bio defence capabilities and thereby, improve Europe’s overall ability to respond to emerging biological threats.

 

Americas

Boeing won a $7.4 million delivery order, which procures 30 A1 G-Model kits and 66 A3 E-Model kits in support of F/A-18E/F and EA-18G modifications. The US Navy F/A-18 E and F Super Hornet is a maritime strike attack aircraft. The first low-rate initial production aircraft was delivered in December 1998, and all 12 of the first batch were delivered by November 1999. EA-18G Growler is an airborne electronic attack aircraft, which operates from either an aircraft carrier or from land-bases. The Growler was developed as a replacement for the United States Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft that entered service in 1971 and is approaching the end of operational life. Work will take place in California,Missouri and Texas. Estimated completion is in October 2023.

Tapestry Solutions won a $29.4 million award for the F-15 mission planning software development and maintenance. The deal provides for the F15 software development of the v6.1 Mission Planning Environment and supports the F-15 Organizational Flight Program Suite 9.1 through sustainment of the previously-fielded v5.0 Mission Planning Environment for the Air Force and foreign country specific releases for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) client nations as well as the in-test v6.0 Mission Planning Environment. The Foreign Military Sales effort allows continued support to incorporate requirements to provide country specific versions of Air Force Mission Planning Environment updates in accordance with each country specific FMS Letters of Acceptance between the US government and the foreign government.  The Mission Planning Environment updates will be fielded outside the continental US to the FMS costumers with current Letters of Acceptance in place with the U.S. government.  Work will take place in Missouri. Estimated completion date is July 31, 2023.

Middle East & Africa

Leidos won a $19.7 million modification to provide Class V munitions supply support for all ammunition stocks accounted for by 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) to US military/government components, Department of Defense agencies, and, as required, coalition forces in the Central Command Area of Responsibility. Work will take place in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Estimated completion date is February 28, 2021.

Taiwan formally handed over two Bell UH-1H helicopters to the Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force Air Wing on February 21, the Taiwanese embassy in Eswatini announced. Eswatini media reported that five UEDF Air Wing pilots and five ground technicians were trained by Taiwan to operate the new helicopters. King Mswati III, Eswatini’s current ruler, was reported as saying the aircraft would provide a useful disaster-relief capability that could be used to help neighboring countries. He also said they would support the Royal Eswatini Police Service with air mobility and medical evacuation.

Europe

Meggitt has reported a 10% year-on-year increase in orders in 2019, including a 23% uptake in its defense business. The British aerospace and defense sub-system developer’s annual financial results that cover the period ending December 31, 2019 were released on February 25 and reported $3.15 billion in orders, up on the $3 billion recorded in 2018. Reported revenues, meanwhile, grew by 9% across the company, and 13% in the defense business line. This equates to the defense business accounting for 36% of the company’s revenues in 2019, with 73% of these sales for US customers, 17% for those in Europe, and 10% to the rest of the world.

Asia-Pacific

The Philippine Air Force has deployed three S.211 jet trainers for maritime air patrol duties in Western Command. The jets are stationed at Antonio Bautista Air Base. The West Philippine Sea is site of territorial claims by China which had been insisting that virtually the entire South China Sea belonged to it. Beijing’s based its claims on its mythical nine-dash line which had been rejected in 2016 by an international court in a case filed by the Philippines. Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also have claims in the area. But China has been putting its military superiority on display, building artificial islands and military outposts, deploying warships and maritime militias to the contested waterways.

Today’s Video

Watch: HAWKEYE 105MM MOBILE WEAPON SYSTEM MAY CHANGE THE WAY US ARMY FIGHTS BATTLES !

Americas

Raytheon won a $8 million contract modification for design agent engineering and technical support services for the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, SeaRAM, and Land-based Phalanx Weapon System. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is a fast-reaction terminal defense against low and high-flying, high-speed maneuvering anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other defenses. CIWS is an integral element of the Fleet Defense In-Depth concept and the Ship Self-Defense Program. Operating either autonomously or integrated with a combat system, it is an automatic terminal defense weapon system designed to detect, track, engage and destroy anti-ship missile threats penetrating outer defense envelopes. The Raytheon Phalanx weapon system is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun that can defeat anti-ship missiles and other close-in threats on land and at sea. Work will take place in Arizona and estimated completion date is January 2022.

Raytheon announced that it finished the first radar antenna for the US Army’s new missile defense sensor. The company won the contract to build the Lower Tier Air Missile Defense Sensor or LTAMDS in October, following a competition to replace the service’s Patriot Air and missile defense system sensor. The radar will become a part of the service’s future Integrated Air and Missile Defense System that will replace the entire Patriot system. Raytheon also manufactures the Patriot. The contract is worth roughly $384 million to deliver six production-representative units of the LTAMDS.

Middle East & Africa

Following a barrage of dozens of rockets fired at Israel, the IDF retaliated with strikes against the terrorist organization south of Damascus and across the Gaza Strip. According to local media the Israel Defense Forces struck a number of PIJ targets south of Damascus, Syria, and across the Gaza Strip on February 24. According to reports, a number of PIJ members were killed in the Syria strike. The IDF Home Front Command issued instructions to cancel school classes today in several towns. Some roads near the Gaza border fence will also be closed.

Europe

Four Norwegian Air Force F-35 fighter aircraft have arrived at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland. The aircraft are now preparing to for the NATO mission providing intercept capabilities for the country. According to NATO, this is the first NATO mission abroad for Norway’s modern fighter aircraft after reaching initial operational capability in November 2019. The Air Policing mission in Iceland is similar to the one carried out by the Norwegian F-16 Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) interceptors from Bodø in northern Norway. Since the beginning of the NATO mission ten Allies (Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States) have manned the regular peacetime deployment.

An agreement to advance construction of a joint advanced combat aircraft program was ceremonially signed by French and German defense ministers. A contract for the first phase of the program to build the main aircraft of the Future Combat Air System was awarded last week. It covers the plane’s propulsion system, data architecture and simulation environment, the German Defense Ministry said. Airbus, MTU, Safran and Dassault are the lead contractors. Plans for the program include development of a Next-Generation Weapon System whose components include remote carrier vehicles known as “swarming drones” and a sixth-generation fighter plane intended to be ready by 2035 to replace current Rafales, Eurofighters and F-18 Hornet planes. The plane and drones are expected to work in tandem.

Asia-Pacific

Boeing won a $93 million contract, which incorporates the next three planned configurations of the operator flight program/system configuration set into the Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 F and EA-18G aircraft training systems. Additionally, this contract procures spares, support equipment, technical manual updates and on-site training. The Australian Air Force has 24 Super Hornets. The F/A-18F Super Hornets are based at Number 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. 11 EA-18G Growlers are operated by No. 6 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic attack aircraft. It is capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radars and communications. Work will take place in Missouri and Australia and estimated completion will be in February 2025.

Today’s Video

Watch: Indian Defence Updates : Russia Offers SHTORM Super-Carrier,16 New Submarines,AK-203 Deal Resolved

Americas

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory won a $200.7 million contract modification to exercise the optional line item for fiscal 2020 production of TRIDENT II D5 Strategic Weapon System MK6 Guidance Equivalent Units. UGM-133A Trident II, or Trident D5, is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Sunnyvale, California, and deployed with the American and British navies. The missile has a maximum operational range of over 7,500 miles and a CEP of 90 meters. The missile’s MK 6 Astro-inertial guidance navigation system is also able to receive GPS updates. The missiles deployed on US submarines can be equipped with a Mark 5 MIRV warhead that can carry up to 8 W88 (475 kt) warheads, or a Mark 4 MIRV that can also carry 14 W76 (100 kt) warheads. Work will take place in Massachusetts, Florida, Texas and estimated completion date is in December 2023.

Raytheon won a $17 million order for dual band radar spares in support of USS Gerald R. Ford or CVN 78. According to the company, the dual band radar is the first radar system in the U.S. Navy fleet capable of operating on the S-band and X-band frequency at the same time. DBR systems allow unmanned operation of and uses commercial off-the-shelf technology for signal and data processing. CVN 78 is the lead ship of her class of aircraft carriers. The Ford class carriers are now on the cusp of entering operational service. Work will take place in Massachusetts and is expected to be finished by December 2021.

Middle East & Africa

Science Applications International won a $15.3 million modification for Force Protection Systems (FPS) Integrated Base Defense Operation Inherent Resolve System Engineering, FPS Counter Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (C-VBIED) Systems Engineering, Close Combat Weapon System Foreign Military Sales engineering and analysis, and FPS Combat Outpost Surveillance Force Protection System (COSFPS) System Engineering. Work will take place in Afghanistan, Iraq and Alabama. Estimate completion date is January 30, 2021.

Europe

Serbia has taken delivery of the first shipment of Pantsir-S1 mobile air defense missile system at Colonel-Pilot Milenko Pavlovic airbase on February 22. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic made the announcement on television on February 23 a day after the Defense Ministry confirmed receiving two of the six ordered short-range, rapid-fire antiaircraft systems. “Serbia strengthened its defensive and deterrent capabilities,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement. The delivery comes from a deal made last year that comes with a target detection and designation radar, target and missile tracking radar, and electro-optical sensor systems. Each Panstir system is capable of guiding up to four missiles at a time.

The Latvian National Armed Forces have begun to take delivery of initial consignments of Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Spike precision-guided tactical missiles under the provisions of a $133 million contract signed between the Latvian Ministry of Defense and EuroSpike in February 2018. Based in Röthenbach, Germany, EuroSpike is a joint venture between Rafael, Diehl Defence, and Rheinmetall Electronics, and is responsible for the marketing, and some manufacture, of the Spike family of missiles in Europe. The new contract provides for latest Spike variant effectors, including Spike SR, Spike LR2, and Spike ER2. The Latvian Land Forces already field the man-portable Spike LR1, which it acquired in 2008.

Asia-Pacific

Azerbaijan is the latest operator of the Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainer. Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and Leonardo S.p.A Executive Director Alessandro Profumo signed an agreement on February 20. In May 2017 Leonardo showcased its Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master trainer aircraft to top Azeri military officials. While the number of aircraft was not revealed, in July 2019 Leonardo chief executive Alessandro Profumo said that his company had signed a deal for six M-346FA light attack aircraft with a major “international customer”. The M-346 is an advanced jet trainer that comes fitted with nine hardpoints. The M-346 can carry a range of ‘dumb’ and ‘smart’ munitions, such as Mk 82/83/84 unguided bombs and GBU-12/16 and Opher Mk 82 guided bombs.

Today’s Video

Watch: US NAVY HAS A NEW WAY TO COUNTER DRONES -USS DEWEY GETS ODIN !

Americas

Sikorsky won a $12 million contract modification, which provides non-recurring engineering to replace existing subsystems, such as the Data Transfer Unit, Defense Electronic Countermeasure System and ARC-210 radio, with the CH-53K production aircraft. This means Sikorsky is replacing Electronic Counter Measure Systems in the King Stallion. The CH-53K King Stallion is the US Marine Corps’ new-build, heavy-lift replacement for the CH-53E. The CH-53K evolves the CH-53E design to improve operational capability, reliability, maintainability, survivability, and cost of ownership. Work under the contract modification will take place in Iowa, Connecticut and Texas. Estimated completion will be in August 2021.

Middle East & Africa

Russian airstrikes appear to have helped repel a rebel counterattack in Syria’s Idlib province that had extensive Turkish military support. The assault on Al-Nayrab on February 20 involved rebels equipped with Turkish-supplied M113 and ACV-15 armored personnel carriers. Rebels were also seen operating an M114 howitzer, while a Turkish T155 howitzer battery and T-122 Sakarya multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) were filmed firing. Russian Su-24 jets were filmed dropping bombs on targets northwest of Al-Nayrab around a hill that dominates the approach to the town. Two days before, open-source tracking of aircraft movements indicated additional Su-24s had flown from southern Russia to Syria via Iran.

Europe

Chemring Energetic Devices won a $24 million contract for supply of various Cartridge Actuated Devices/ Propellant Actuated Devices for various US and Foreign Military Sales aircraft. Cartridge Actuated Devices/ Propellant Actuated Devices are commodity items that function as a system component. Managed CAD/PAD items are specific to Army aircraft and have a set shelf life and installed life. Cartridge Actuated Devices and Propellant Actuated Devices play a great role in ensuring safety among equipment, weaponry and personnel. Defective CADs and PADs most likely translate to failed missions and/or loss of lives. The contract involves FMS to Greece, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Uruguay, India, Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE, Belgium, Denmark,Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Portugal, South Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Romania, Turkey, Singapore, Poland, Bahrain, Tunisia, Egypt as well as the Netherlands.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems won a $233 million contract action for the procurement of Mk 41 Vertical Launching System vertical launcher module assemblies, modernization kits and spare components.  This contract combines purchases for the Navy as well as the governments of Korea , Finland, and Germany under the Foreign Military Sales program. The Mk 41 has been in US Navy service since 1986. The deal funds procurement of vertical launcher module assemblies, modernization kits and spare components for the launching system, a modular missile launch system capable of launching multiple standard missile variants. Estimated completion date is in March 2025.

The Royal Thai Air Force’s 2020 white paper has called for the replacement of 12 C-130H transport aircraft with a new platform. The first phase to buy 4 aircraft will start from 2022. There are a total of three phases. The winning platform must be able to be integrated with the RTAF Tactical Data Link system. In the RTAF White Paper 2020 the service outlined a number of replacement aircraft that it intends to procure to replace ageing types over the coming decade-or-so. Key programs also include new combat aircraft to replace the service’s F-5 Tiger IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and L-39s; Saab 340B and BT-67; a new VVIP aircraft and helicopter type to serve the royal family, and a VIP aircraft to replace the Airbus ACJ319 used by government officials and as a back-up for the royal family; additional DA-40 trainer aircraft to replace the CT-4B, as well as other types to replace the CT-4E and PC-9; a UAV to replace the current U1 platform; and a new helicopter type to replace the Bell 412.

Today’s Video

Watch: Indian Defence Updates : Su-35 + R-37M Hypersonic Offer,Next-Gen Ramjet By 2023,DRDO Anti-Drone Test

I was back on the Blog Talk Radio show Midrats this week, talking about Russia’s government shake-up, Russian foreign policy,  its relations with the United States and China, etc. The recording is now available on the show’s website. The show description is as follows:

Episode 529: Russia’s 2020

As Russia’s navy starts to transition away from the last of her legacy ships, to her approaching endgame in Syria, join us for the full hour to investigate the latest developments with Russia’s national security posture, including the domestic power politics and relationships with its near abroad that influences the same.

The EU’s defence tools - Capability Development Plan (CDP), Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), European Defence Fund (EDF) - will only have the desired effect on enhancing the coherence of Europe’s defence landscape and boosting European defence cooperation if they are fully embedded and used by Member States in their national defence planning.  This was the core message conveyed today in Brussels at a seminar co-organised by EDA and the Croatian EU Presidency. 

The objective of the event, which took place in the Agency’s premises, was to exchange views among government representatives on how to practically embed the EU defence initiatives into national defence planning processes and thereby maximise their benefits in support of Member States’ efforts. It was the first time senior national defence planners met to discuss the conceptual and practical implications of the new EU defence initiatives on national defence planning processes and practices.

In his opening statement, EDA’s acting Chief Executive Olli Ruutu said the implementation process of the initiatives was now at a key moment. “CARD is more than halfway through its first full cycle with a final report to be presented to Defence Ministers in November this year. PESCO is moving ahead with the third batch of projects approved and a strategic review also scheduled  towards the end of this year. Preparations for the EDF are entering a decisive phase. Hence, this is the right moment for a check-up of what has been achieved so far and to listen to Member States’ views in order to maximise the benefits for them. Member States’ ownership through embedding the EU defence tools into their national defence planning processes is crucial for their success”, stated Mr Ruutu.

Representing the Croatian EU Presidency, Dunja Bujan, the acting Defence Policy Director at the Croatian Ministry of Defence, stressed the need to increase the coherence between the EU defence initiatives and national defence planning. “In the foreseeable future, we will continue to pull our strength and ability to act from national armed forces and budgets. No EU defence initiative will be able to compensate that. If we want the EU defence initiatives to succeed, we need to keep them in line with this reality” and thus embed them into national planning. “The sooner we start to do that, the greater will be the chance to avoid any potential future discrepancies”, she stated.
 

Panel discussions

The keynote speeches were followed by two panel discussions. The first featured Major General Eric Charpentier (France’s National Capability Director), Rear Admiral Juha Vauhkonen (Finland’s military representative to EU/NATO), Lieutenant General Jaromir Zuna (Czech First Deputy Chief of General Staff) and Colonel Jorge Farre (Head of EU Department in Spain’s MoD). It mainly focused on the questions of whether the initiatives have already impacted national defence planning and to what extent the wider EU perspective is being taken into account in Member States’ decision-making.

The second panel looked at practical steps towards improving the implementation and usage of the tools in national processes. This panel was composed by Major General Jorge Côrte-Real Andrade (National R&T Director and Deputy Director of the Directorate-general of National Defence Resources at the Portuguese MoD),  Brigadier General Ludy Schmidt (Deputy Capability Director at the Dutch Ministry of Defence) and Colonel Markus Kohlweg (Head of Unit, Multinational Defence Planning, at the Austrian MoD). 

Seminar co-organised by EDA and the Croatian EU Presidency

 

Americas

Sikorsky won a $470.8 million modification, which exercises options to procure six low rate initial production lot II VH-92A aircraft, interim contractor support and six cabin interior reconfiguration kits in support of the Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program. The VH-92 will replace the US Marine Corps VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters that transport the president, while operating under the name of Marine One. The VH-92 will replace the U.S. Marine Corps VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters that transport the president, while operating under the name of Marine One. The Navy awarded a $542 million order to Sikorsky last June for six Lot I VH-92A presidential helicopters. Sikorsky will begin deliveries of the first six VH-92A helicopters in 2021.

The US Navy awarded Sikorsky a $40 million contract modification, which procures organic capability pilot repair material, technical publications, peculiar support equipment re-design and acquisition and logistical support in support of lot 2 CH-53K aircraft. The CH-53K helicopter is a new-build design variant and replacement for the current USMC heavy-lift aircraft, the CH-53E. The CH-53K evolves the CH-53E design to improve operational capability, reliability, maintainability, survivability, and cost of ownership. Work will take place in Connecticut, North Carolina and is expected to be finished by December 2024.

Middle East & Africa

The Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF’s) General Staff will undergo significant structural changes this year as part of the new ‘Momentum’ multi-year program, the IDF Spokesperson Unit announced on February 18. In a response to “the evolving threat from the Iranian arena” a new Iran and Strategy Directorate is being created that combines the existing Strategic and International Cooperation Divisions, the IDF said. It will be headed by a major general and address “two key subjects: planning and incorporating the military strategy with regards to the Iranian arena”. The Strategic Division was previously part of the Planning Directorate (J5), while the International Cooperation Division has been independent since 2018.

Europe

British Army Apache Attack helicopters, Wildcat reconnaissance helicopters and RAF Chinook transport helicopters, will be among more than 2,500 British troops taking part in Exercise Defender Europe 20, say the British Army. The pilots and ground crew of 3 Regt AAC’s 662 Squadron, based at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk, have been put through their paces this week ahead of the deployment, which will see them training in Germany and Poland in the spring. Defender Europe 20 is a US Army-led exercise involving 35,000 troops from 18 nations. It aims to demonstrate the ability to rapidly surge combat ready forces into and across Europe to support the NATO alliance.

Asia-Pacific

The Cabinet Committee on Security of India has reportedly approved the procurement of 24 MH-60R multi-role helicopters from the US. The $2.6 billion worth helicopter acquisition is for the Indian Navy and will be done through the US Foreign Military Sales program. In April 2018, the procurement was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council, while the sale was also approved by the DoS in April last year. US Congress has also been notified about the possible sale. Lockheed Martin was selected to serve as the sale’s principal contractor. The helicopters will replace the Sea King helicopters that were phased out in 2000. According to US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will enhance India’s capability to perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions.

The Royal Thai Air Force has published its new 10-year white paper and it was disclosed that the service will procure a JAS-39C/D fighter in 2023. The single airframe is expected to replace the JAS-39C that crashed during an airshow in January 2017. It was also announced in the same paper that all existing 11 Gripens will be upgraded to MS 20 software standard from next year.

Today’s Video

Watch: RUSSIAN NAVY’S LEAD WARSHIP ADMIRAL KUZNETSOV MAY NEVER BE MADE OPERATIONAL AGAIN !

Member States’ National Armaments Directors (NADs) met on 20 February at the Agency for their biannual Steering Board meeting under the chairmanship of Bulgaria’s Deputy Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov. 

Acting Chief Executive Olli Ruutu updated NADs on the progress made on a wide range of EDA projects, programmes and activities. Directors discussed the state of play and next steps to be taken on the Strategic Context Cases (SCC) through which the revised European Capability Development Priorities are being implemented. They were also briefed on the development of the Overarching Strategic Research Agenda (OSRA) as well as on the Agency’s work on the Key Strategic Activities (KAS). 

The state of play and the Agency’s role in the implementation of the EU defence initiatives (CARD, PESCO, EDF) were also presented and debated with the participation of representatives of the European External Action Service including the EU Military Staff,  and the European Commission (DG Defence Industry and Space). On CARD, Directors were informed that the Aggregated Analysis will be sent to Member States in May. Following further discussions, including at NADs level, the final CARD report will then be presented to Ministers in November. Directors were also briefed by the PESCO Secretariat on the progress made so far this year which will be particularly important given the  ongoing PESCO Strategic Review.

Directors were also provided with an update on EDA’s cooperation with the Commission and a briefing by the new Commission DG Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). The Directors were also briefed on the cooperation with the Commission DG Environment in the area of Circular Economy.  

The Steering Board was also briefed by the EDA and NATO on EU-NATO cooperation and the progress made in the implementation of the Joint Declaration.

Americas

Rolls-Royce won a $62.4 million contract modification, which exercises an option to procure 29 AE1107C engines for the Navy V-22 aircraft. The AE 1107C-Liberty (T406) is a 6,000-shp class turboshaft engine. The two-shaft axial design of the AE 1107C consists of a 14-stage compressor followed by an effusion-cooled annular combustor, a two-stage gas generator turbine, and a two-stage power turbine. The engine features six rows of variable compressor vanes, dual FADEC (controls both engine and propeller), a self-contained oil system that allows for vertical operation, modular construction, and a so-called ‘on-condition’ maintenance capability. Work will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana and expected completion will be in December 2021.

General Atomics won a $25.2 million delivery order, which procures Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) Depot Planning Phase II efforts, including depot level logistics support analysis, engineering support for logistics, supportability analysis, maintenance planning, reliability maintenance, technical manual development and engineering support as it directly correlates to depot planning for the USS Gerald Ford (CVN 78) and USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).  More than 99 percent of the work on this contract will be performed in San Diego, with one-tenth of one percent of work on the contract taking place in Tupelo, Mississippi. Expected completion date is February 2022.

Middle East & Africa

The Armed Forces of Mali deployed reconstituted battalions that include former rebel soldiers to both Kidal and Timbuktu in the north of the country. A battalion arrived in Kidal on February 13, becoming the first FAMa troops based in the city since Azawadi (Tuareg) rebels overran the city after the March 2012 coup in Bamako. United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) facilitated the deployment by escorting the FAMa battalion from Gao to Kidal and refurbishing Camp General Abdoulaye Soumaré, where it is now based. It described the deployment as a “major step forward in the implementation of the peace agreement.” The 2014 Algiers Accord stipulated that former rebel combatants would be integrated into the armed and security forces.

Europe

Boeing has officially launched the flight evaluation phase of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft for Finland’s HX fighter replacement program, with three aircraft arriving at Tampere-Pirkkala Airbase north of Helsinki on February 18. The arrival of one single-seat F/A-18E, one twin-seat F/A-18F and one EA-18G in Finland for Boeing’s HX Challenge evaluation followed earlier stints from the Eurofighter Typhoon from 9 to 17 January, the Dassault Rafale from to January 20 to 28, the Saab Gripen E and GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft from January 30 to February 6, and the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) from February 10 to 17. Boeing will conclude proceedings on February 26. While the Super Hornets and the Growler being evaluated are in their current Block 2 and Block 1 configurations respectively, for its offering to Finland Boeing is pitching the Block 3 version of the Super Hornet and Block 2 version of the Growler which will be available to the US Navy from 2023 and 2025.

Asia-Pacific

A recently upgraded Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU) F-16 A/B fighter aircraft has conducted its first flight. The aircraft, with serial number TS-1610, conducted the flight on February 18 from the Iswahyudi Air Force Base in Madiun, East Java. The airframe is the first Indonesian F-16 to undergo the Falcon STAR (Structural Augmentation Roadmap) and enhanced mid-life upgrade programmes, the TNI-AU said in a statement on the same day. The aircraft operates with the service’s Skuadron Udara (Aviation Squadron) 3. As part of the upgrades, the aircraft received structural enhancements, enhanced avionics and weapon systems, and can operate up to 8,000 actual flying hours, said the TNI-AU.

Pakistan announced that it has test-launched a new variant of its Ra’ad II nuclear-capable, air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) with a range of 600 km. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said that the 600 km range of the new missile “significantly enhances” the PAF’s “air-delivered strategic stand-off capability on land and at sea”. The new missile variant, which was shown in a low-resolution video being launched from a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Mirage III fighter aircraft, “is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems ensuring engagement of targets with high precision”, said the ISPR, referring to the weapon system as “a major step towards complementing Pakistan’s deterrence capability”.

Today’s Video

Watch: Indian Defence Updates : More Rafale Confirmed,S400 Massive Delay,NCM Offer,INS Kavaratti Delivery

Experts met in Brussels to intensify co-ordination against cyber threats and staff-to-staff relations.

After a successful first edition at Europol in June 2019, the second iteration of the Staff Exchange initiative between the four Parties to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) – the European Defence Agency (EDA), CERT-EU, the EU Cybersecurity Agency (ENISA) and Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), took place from 17 to 20 February 2020. 

As part of the MoU partners’ Roadmap 2020-2021, this programme seeks to promote a better mutual understanding of respective priorities, practices and to deepen the working relationships across the respective organisations. Hosted jointly by EDA and CERT-EU in Brussels, the experts focused on strategic developments in cyber defence, trained in threat hunting and met with industry representatives. 

Olli Ruutu, EDA Chief Executive (ad interim), said: “The staff exchange is an excellent opportunity to share views and knowledge and further improve our common understanding of the work done by our respective entities. It is also a special moment for thinking outside the box with like-minded colleagues. There is a lot to be taken away from these Staff Exchanges which fully reflect the collaborative spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding we concluded in May 2018 to leverage synergies between our four organisations and promoting cooperation on cyber security and cyber defence.”

Saâd Kadhi, the Head of CERT-EU, said: “This second Staff Exchange builds on the achievements of the one before. It will continue to improve the mutual understanding and cooperation between our organisations, ultimately leading to better collective cyber defence.”

Juhan Lepassaar, ENISA’s Executive Director, said: “The EU Cybersecurity Agency welcomes the Staff Exchange initiative hosted by EDA and CERT-EU and sees this as a fruitful, knowledge-sharing exercise that fosters increased collaboration between the signatories.”

Fernando Ruiz, Acting Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre said: “The close cooperation and knowledge sharing between our entities contribute to building a robust European cyber defence. This Staff Exchange initiative, hosted by the European Defence Agency and CERT-EU, will strengthen the capabilities of our experts to effectively tackle the cyber threat and protect EU citizens, businesses and organisations.”
 

More information:

• Four EU cybersecurity organisations enhance cooperation (EDA webnews)

Americas

According to Jane’s, operators of the Airbus C295 multirole aircraft will soon be presented with options into how existing airframes can be upgraded to the latest standards. The newspaper reports that Airbus is currently studying various upgrade and retrofit possibilities, given how several operators have already indicated interest in upgrade of their existing fleets. The Airbus C295 is a twin turboprop aircraft with a 25 m wingspan. It can be configured for a variety of roles, including maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, airborne early warning, signals intelligence, close-air support, and military transport operations.

The Mexican Navy’s first POLA (Patrulla Oceánica de Largo Alcance) long-range ocean patrol vessel, ARM Reformador, was commissioned, the company announced. Reformador is based on the Damen Shipyards SIGMA 10514 light frigate design, displacing 2,570 tonnes, with a length of 105.1 m, a beam of 14 m, and a draft of 3.7 m. The ship was launched at the end of November 2018 and completed sea acceptance trials in December 2019. Construction was split between Mexico and the Netherlands. Four of the OPV’s six modular sections were built at the Mexican Navy’s ASTIMAR Salina Cruz shipyard in Oaxaca, and two were built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding at its yard in Vlissingen.

Middle East & Africa

Israeli defense technology company Rafael Advanced Defence Systems is showcasing a new lightweight airborne EO/IR sensor for wide-area persistent surveillance (WAPS) operations at Singapore Air Show. The MicroLite sensor can be mounted on small airborne platforms including unmanned aerial vehicles, balloons, and manned aircraft to complete EO/IR intelligence, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. At the show, Rafael said it would showcase the system mounted on an Orbiter-4 UAV made by Rafael-owned Aeronautics. Rafael says the system uses high-resolution mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and visual HD color sensors to enable persistent wide-area surveillance and can work in tandem with a laser designator to locate and designate possible targets.

Europe

Helicopter Flight Training Systems (HFTS),of which German defense company Rheinmetall is a part, has entered into an agreement to modernize flight simulators for the German Army Aviation Corps’ NH90 helicopters. A contract to this effect was signed at the end of December 2019. Awarded to HFTS, the complete contract encompasses operation, service and maintenance of the simulators through to 2027, with a contractually guaranteed availability rate of at least 98%. The modernization project involves upgrade of simulators to the latest helicopter standard called MR-1. This upgrade is accompanied by a renovation of the computer configurations, the replacement of the instructor station and the tactical situation animation software (CGF) and includes Level C certification with the European authority EASA.

Asia-Pacific

According to Alert5, PT. Dirgantara Indonesia has been directed by the Indonesian government to embark on a program to reverse engineer missiles. Brig. Gen. Aribowo Teguh Santoso from the Directorate General for Defense Potential signed a contract on February 15. It is believed that the Indonesians intend to reverse engineer the C705 anti-ship missile that China had sold to the South East Asia country. These were ordered for the Indonesian Navy’s KCR-40 and KCR 60 warships. Some of those missiles were assembled locally.

Warships of the Royal Australian Navy left the port of Sydney on Monday to conduct ready-to-deploy exercises. The three-week-event is known as the sea phase of Fleet Certification Period 2020. It will verify the capabilities of participating vessels. The destroyers HMAS Hobart and HMAS Arunta, the frigate HMAS Stuart and the fleet replenishment vessel Sirius left Sydney for the Bass Straits, separating Australia from Tasmania, where they will meet five other warships and submarines. Military aircraft, including a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A, a United States Navy P-8, a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K and three Royal Australian Navy MH-60R helicopters, will also participate. Exercises include work by an Australian navy anti-mine unit on the Tasmanian coast.

Today’s Video

Watch: Indian Defence Updates : New VEM Fighter Jet,NASAMS Cancel,Howitzer Sale Saudi Arabia,83 Tejas Final

Americas

Lockheed Martin Space won a $13.9 million contract modification for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed systems support. The Trident II D5 is one of the most advanced long-range submarine-launched nuclear missiles in the world. It is the primary US sea-based nuclear ballistic missile, and is deployed aboard US Navy Ohio Class ballistic missile submarines. The US Navy operates 14 of these ballistic missile submarines, each of which can carry as many as 24 Trident II missiles. Although the Trident II is designed to carry as many as 12 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) warheads, current treaties reduce this number to four or five. Work will take place in Florida, California, and other various locations. Work is expected to be finished by September 30, 2024.

The Trump administration plans to shift $3.8 billion away from the military services’ weapons accounts to pay for wall construction along the nation’s southern border despite the Pentagon’s assertion that it needs to focus on a high-end military competition with China and Russia. In a reprogramming notice signed by acting Pentagon comptroller Elaine McCusker on February 13, the department details plans to move dollars out of an array of weapons coffers – including from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and America Class Amphibious Assault Ship – over to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Middle East & Africa

According to Israel Defense that the Israeli Defense Forces will adapt the Spike missile to current threats. A senior officer reportedly told the newspaper: “We will develop a version that is more suitable to urban warfare,” The missile system is important to the IDF, and is expected to remain so in the coming years. However, the IDF understands that the threats are changing and now includes greater emphasis on urban warfare in fighting columns of Syrian, Egyptian or Iraqi armor. “The balance between the need for the anti-tank Spike missile and the need for it as a solution for urban warfare has changed. We are working together with Rafael to develop a more suitable and inexpensive version of the missile for this purpose,” the officer said.

Europe

Oshkosh Defense won a $407.3 million modification to procure Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and associated kits. Oshkosh Defense will deliver JLTVs to the US Marines, Lithuania and Slovenia. On November 21, 2019, the Defense Materiel Agency of Lithuania under the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense and the US Department of Defense signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance concerning procurement of 200 units of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or JLTV. The JLTV was developed by American Company Oshkosh Defense for the US Army and Marine Corps, to replace the aging fleet of High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV/Humvee). The JLTV family now consists of three base vehicle platforms, Utility, Close Combat Weapons Carrier and General Purpose. The Utility base vehicle platform is a two-door configuration, the General Purpose and Close Combat Weapons Carrier base vehicle platforms are a four-door configuration. Work under the modification will take place in Wisconsin. Estimated completion date is January 31, 2022.

Asia-Pacific

Japan is said to be developing an electronic warfare system that will jam the datalink of North Korean ballistic missiles with its ground control stations. The development will start this year and is expected to take five years to complete. The equipment can block North Korean ballistic missiles with radio waves. With this, it will also be possible to deal with missiles immediately after the launch.

Saab has signed an agreement with Australia to provide combat management systems for Navy’s surface ships. According to the agreement, Saab will deliver its Next Generation’ Combat Management System (CMS) to Australia’s new Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and the Supply class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) ships. Saab will also modernize the 9LV CMS currently in use in the Anzac Class frigates and will provide the software for the future tactical interface for the Hobart class air warfare destroyer (AWDs) when their current CMS is modernized.

Today’s Video

Watch: AMERICAN B52 STRATOFORTRESS COMES IN THE WAY OF CHINA’S TAIWAN AMBITION !

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $15.3 million delivery order that procures four retrofit advanced radar processor systems to include required non-recurring engineering and 16 high-density servers for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the latest variant of the E-2 Airborne early warning aircraft, replacing the E-2C Hawkeye. The next-generation E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has a new radar system, theater missile defense capabilities, multi-sensor integration and a Northrop Grumman Navigation Systems tactical glass cockpit. Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors developed the AN/APY-9 solid-state, electronically steered UHF radar under the E-2C radar modernization program. Work will take place in Liverpool, New York and Andover, Maine and is expected to be finished in May 2023.

BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair won a $24.6 million contract for the accomplishment of post-shakedown-availability (PSA) for one Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), with options for the accomplishment of PSAs for up to seven additional Freedom-variant LCSs. A post-shakedown availability takes place in a period of about 16 weeks between the transfer of a ship to the Navy and the shipbuilding conversion date. Freedom Class littoral combat ships, which are built by Lockheed Martin, carry a variety of light weapon systems as well as short-range missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes. BAE’s post-shakedown availability will include correction of trial card deficiencies, new work identified between custody transfer and the time of the availability and incorporation incorporation of approved engineering changes not addressed under the building yard’s construction contract. Work will be performed in Mayport, Florida, with an expected completion date of March 2021.

Middle East & Africa

A Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense statement saying that it had refused to receive two Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal medium-lift rotorcraft on account of technical malfunctions has been denied by the manufacturer. On February 12, the Kuwaiti MoD said that, in response to enquiries made on the issue by national lawmakers, it was forming a “specialized technical committee” to examine the reason why a pair of H225M helicopters could not be accepted from Airbus and “to address the root causes to prevent a repeat. The move was made out of complete concern for the safety of air force pilots and employees.” Kuwait signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to procure the 30 H225Ms for a reported $1.14 billion at the time, following a type selection that was made in mid-2015, and includes support and services. Of these, 24 will go to the Kuwaiti Air Force and six to the Kuwait National Guard to be used for combat search-and-rescue, naval operations, medical evacuation, and military transportation.

Europe

Cyprus has signed a contract with France for the purchase of military equipment worth $260 million, the country’s Defense Ministry announced, confirming recent reports in French media. The ministry noted that due to the sensitive nature of the matter, which falls under national security, it does not intend to disclose any further information for the time being. According to reports however, Cyprus has signed contracts with the French company MBDA for the purchase of Mistral and Exocet missiles. The Exocet is a French-built anti-ship missile whose various versions can be launched from surface vessels, submarines, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Exocet are listed as anti-ship missiles and Mistral are surface-to-air missiles. MBDA reportedly works with over 90 armed forces worldwide.

Asia-Pacific

BAE Systems Land & Armaments won a $23.9 million deal for Mk 41 Vertical Launching System canister production, canister renewal, ancillary hardware, spares and associated support equipment.The deal provides for the manufacture and delivery of new Mk 41 Vertical Launching System canisters (Mk 13 Mod 0, Mk 14 Mod 2, Mk 15 Mod 1; Mk 21–Mod 2, Mod 3 and Mod 4; Mk 25–Mod 0 and Mod 1; and Mk 29 Mod 0); ancillary hardware; spares and associated support equipment. Additionally, it provides for the upgrade, renew, refurbish and/or repair of the canisters listed above, as well as Mk 14 Mod 1 and Mk 15 Mod 0. The Mk 41 Vertical Launching System missile canisters are used to store, transport, and launch different kinds of guided missiles from ships. The contract combines purchases for the government of Japan, the government of Denmark, the government of Korea and the Navy under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will take place in South Dakota and Minnesota and is scheduled to be finished by May 2021.

Taiwan media reports that the the Ministry of Defense has revealed a preliminary finding on February 15 into the fatal crash of a UH-60M helicopter on January 2. According to the information given, the pilot was navigating on VFR route C-10 in the direction from Sindian to Yilan. The information published on the AIP for Taipei FIR shows that the route to be taken from Sindian to Yilan is along Highway No.9. This will take the aircraft over the outskirts of Yilan city before the highway turns south for the city center. However, based on the data provided in the report. It shows the pilot did not follow the exact route of Highway No.9 to exit the mountain regions but he had turned south much earlier to track towards Jiaoxi Township.

Today’s Video

Watch: Indian Defence Updates : UK Offers 400Km Meteor BVRAAM,Spectra EW Production,75000 AK-203 Per Year

AH-60L
(click to view larger)

The UH-60M Black Hawk is currently the most advanced UH-60/S-70 model, whose variants are in service with the US Army and over 20 other countries around the world. To date, UH-60M customers include the USA, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, plus a request from Egypt. Unlike global competitors such as Russia’s Mi-8/17 series, however, the UH-60’s operational armament is generally limited to door guns. That may be about to change, thanks to a UAE initiative.

Colombia currently flies the armed S-70 “Arpia III”, and Sikorsky has worked on armed “AH-60” versions as an offering in some foreign competitions, but efforts to sell the concept in Australia and elsewhere were less successful. Nevertheless, Sikorsky executives see considerable potential for multi-role helicopters and conversion kits, in an era of global insurgencies, tight budgets, and limited helicopter numbers. Now, the UAE has become their launch customer. What is Sikorsky’s Battlehawk, and what are their plans?

The Battlehawk Concept and Sikorsky’s Kits

MH-60Rs fire Hellfire
(click to view full)

Armed H-60 helicopters are not new. Naval Seahawks can be armed with a variety of weapons including Mk54 torpedoes, Penguin anti-ship missiles, and Hellfire anti-armor missiles. On land, US Special Operations have been arming their MH-60s to various levels, and Colombia’s S-70 “Arpia III” helicopters can mount rockets and forward-firing gun pods. Even a US Army UH-60L model has provision for Hellfire missiles, but the US Army has elected not to add the necessary equipment to make that an operational capability.

Australia was offered an “AH-60” for its armed reconnaissance helicopter competition, but chose the dedicated Eurocopter Tiger ARH instead. Nevertheless, Sikorsky believes that tight budgets will push existing and future customers toward multi-role helicopters. Colombia’s success led to Sikorsky’s announcement of its Battlehawk program at the 2006 Farnborough international air show, and interest from Israel and the UAE led to a refined 3-level set of kits. A mature Battlehawk program could give Sikorsky an important export edge over rivals like the European NH90 TTH, and offer feature parity with Russia’s popular Mi-17.

Technically, “Battlehawk” is a Sikorsky trademark, referring to a new-build UH-60M helicopter with a full weapons kit. The company’s larger goal is actually a set of kits that can be retrofitted to existing aircraft, or incorporated into newer models to take advantage of more advanced features. In most cases, the cost of conversion will be higher for older helicopters, because a larger number of systems must be upgraded. This can be offset somewhat by upgrading them to a lower level, to reduce the number of modifications needed.

Sikorsky’s initiative really took off with the UAE’s February 2011 order, and Sikorsky representatives say that this kit will be available for export to other customers. The firm is happy to talk to new partners, but integration of new capabilities and specific weapons will occur on a customer by customer basis, and the choices made by those initial customers will help to define the initial kits offered.

Battlehawk: 3 Kits

Colombian Arpia
(click to view full)

Level 1 Kits already exist, in Colombia’s UH-60L/ S-70 Arpia models. They were fitted with surveillance turrets under the nose, and added stub wings to mount fixed weapons like gatling guns or unguided rockets, but these helicopters have no guided weapon capabilities. This is the cheapest kit conversion, and the most proven. The helicopter retains its full cabin capacity, and may retain its full soldier load, depending on the weight of the weapons fitted and ammunition carried.

Level 2 Kits would add guided weapons, including optical and laser guided anti-armor missiles like TOW, Spike, and Hellfire, and emerging laser-guided rockets. The baseline under consideration in 2009 would mount 12.7mm/.50 caliber gatling guns on the inboard pylon pair, and either missiles or a 19-rocket launcher on the outboard pylons. This will include laser-guided missiles and rockets, and combat optics are upgraded accordingly; the baseline configuration’s AN/AAQ-22E BRITE Star II turret or L-3 WESCAM MX-15Di include laser targeting, as well as surveillance. The armed kit be integrated with the helicopter’s flight and weapons management systems, which will link to a day/night capable helmet-mounted display.

A helicopter with this kit retains its full cabin capacity for 11 soldiers, but its ability to carry that many on a specific mission will depend on the weight of the weapons it’s fitted with. Owners may also choose to devote some of its space and weight limits to mounted and/or in-cabin ammunition and weapons, extra fuel on board, 2 door gunners with 7.62mm gatling miniguns, etc. As equipment is added, troop carrying capacity will decline.

Battlehawk Level 3

Level 3 Kits would add all Level 2 features, plus a gun turret on its underside for 180 degree firepower. The Israelis tested a French 20mm turret from Nexter, which has been developed to equip a number of helicopter types around the world. Unlike other conversions, the Level 3 kit does eat into the helicopter’s forward cabin space, reducing the number of soldiers it can carry.

Over time, Sikorsky personnel expect that the options available under the 3 weapon kits will grow. As a simple example, special operations helicopters can add fuel tanks to extend the helicopter’s range or staying power. As of December 2009, however, Sikorsky representatives said that “wet pylon” capabilities weren’t part of their program. Other options will likely present themselves, as customers show interest.

The Israeli Tests, & the UAE

Israeli Lvl-3 demonstrator
(click to view larger)

The Israeli Air Force has already conducted a number of tests, under a program that lasted from November 2007 – December 2009. Sikorsky participated in conjunction with Israeli manufacturers Elbit Systems and RAFAEL, and France’s Nexter. Testing used an Israeli Air Force (IAF) S-70A-55 Black Hawk helicopter, modified with Elbit’s weapon management system and ANVIS-HUD helmet mounted display, Elbit/ATK GATR-L laser-guided 70mm rockets, RAFAEL Spike-ER optical anti-armor missiles, and Nexter’s 20mm belly turret. The gun was a particular testing concern due to its required airframe modifications and potential for vibration issues, but it proved accurate and reportedly placed little stress on the airframe.

Sikorsky has marketing agreements with Elbit and Rafael for joint marketing of this demonstrator configuration, which could give the concept a boost in Israel, South America, and some countries in Europe and Asia, where those Israeli firms have developed solid relationships. The Israeli efforts were proof of concept and flight tests rather than an official integration program, however, and do not represent formal qualification of the weapons involved. Once a customer signs on, therefore, Sikorsky would need to include and charge for production qualification, full weapon qualification, full avionics integration, and reliability and component life testing.

The United Arab Emirates’ formal 2008 Foreign Military Sale request made them the expected launch customer for the UH-60M Armed Blackhawk mission kit, and that finally came to pass in 2011.

Sikorsky can leverage previous structural and electronics work from the Israeli demonstrations, and the UAE can replace Israeli equipment with alternatives like Cirit laser-guided rockets, sensors and helmet-mounted sights from other manufacturers, etc. Their DSCA request lays out an initial equipment set that appears to correspond to the Level 2 kit – but note that the Level 3 kit’s Nexter 20mm gun comes from France, and would not be subject to US DSCA disclosure if the UAE wanted it at any time.

The UAE has taken on pioneering roles in the past by paying for R&D programs like its Mirage 2000v5 and F-16 E/F Block 60 jet fighters, and earned millions of dollars in licensing revenues when Dassault exported the Mirage 2000-5 design to other countries. While Sikorsky representatives would not talk publicly about this dimension, they did note that the UAE’s fully-qualified kit would be available for export on the global market. A similar sort of royalty agreement with the UAE should be expected.

Contracts and Key Events

Part-converted UH-60M
(click to view full)

February 17/20: Taiwan Crash Taiwan media reports that the the Ministry of Defense has revealed a preliminary finding on February 15 into the fatal crash of a UH-60M helicopter on January 2. According to the information given, the pilot was navigating on VFR route C-10 in the direction from Sindian to Yilan. The information published on the AIP for Taipei FIR shows that the route to be taken from Sindian to Yilan is along Highway No.9. This will take the aircraft over the outskirts of Yilan city before the highway turns south for the city center. However, based on the data provided in the report. It shows the pilot did not follow the exact route of Highway No.9 to exit the mountain regions but he had turned south much earlier to track towards Jiaoxi Township.

October 26/16: With thanks to the sales of Sikorsky helicopters, Lockheed Martin announced a quarterly profit that pushed total revenue up 14.8 percent for the fiscal year. The company also raised their adjusted profit and sales outlook for the year. The aeronautics division saw an increase of 6.8 percent due to higher net sales of approximately $300 million for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program due to increased volume on aircraft production and sustainment activities.

October 18/16: Sikorsky has just delivered its 1000th H-60M Black Hawk helicopter to the US Army in a ceremony that saw the deliveries of the 792nd UH-60M and the 208th HH-60M. A Lockheed Martin subsidiary, the company delivered the first UH-60M to the service in 2007 and the first HH-60M Medevac helicopter in 2008. The “Mike” model helicopters represent the Army’s third standard baseline H-60 Black Hawk aircraft version in the program’s 38-year production history.

March 10/16: The US Army has ordered 35 UH-60M helicopters from Lockheed Martin’s subsidiary Sikorsky. Completion of the $387.2 million contract is expected for the end of December 2016, with work being carried out in Stratford, Connecticut. The award adds to a number of modification contracts for extra helicopters as the Army looks to increase its late-model helicopters for missions like armed reconnaissance and troop transport, medical evacuations, and search and rescue.

September 17/15: Sikorsky was handed a $22.6 million Foreign Military Sales contract modification to produce two UH-60M helicopters for the Mexican Navy, following a DSCA request in March for three of the helicopters. The original request application was for five Blackhawks, with a host of other intelligence, mission planning and communications systems as well as spares. In December 2014 the company was similarly awarded a $56.4 million modification to produce five UH-60Ms for Mexico, following two orders in September 2014 for 8 and 18 UH-60Ms, worth $93.2 million and $203.6 million respectively. The four orders are all scheduled to deliver the helicopters in May and June 2016.

July 24/14: Tunisia. The US DSCA announces Tunisia’s official request for 12 UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters, complete with Level 2 Battlehawk kits that allow them to be used as attack helicopters. Sikorsky in Stratford, CT; and GE in Lynn, MA are the core contractors, but the overall request includes:

• 12 UH-60Ms in standard US configuration
  
• 30 T700-GE-701D Engines (24 installed and 6 spares)

• 30 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles
  
• 26 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems
  
• 30 MXF-4027 Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency radios
  
• 15 AN/APX-117 IFF Transponders
  
• 15 AN/ARC-220 radios
  
• 15 Very High Frequency/Digitally Selective Calling radios
  
• 15 ARN-147 VOR/ILS, 15 AN/ARN-153 Tactical Air Navigation Systems
  
• 6 Aviation Mission Planning Systems
  
• 1 Aviation Ground Power Unit

• 15 Wescam MX-15Di or Brite Star II day/night surveillance turrets with laser designators
  
• 24 M134 7.62mm Machine Guns
  
• 24 GAU-19 .50 cal Machine Guns
  
• Integration of Precision Guided Rocket System capability to permit launch of laser-guided variants of 2.75 rockets
  
• 24 M261 Hydra-70 Rocket Pods
  
• 9,100 2.75″/ 70mm Hydra Rockets. Laser guidance would come as a bolt-on kit from BAE (APKWS), Lockheed (DAGR), Raytheon (TALON), Rojetsan (Cirit), et. al.
  
• 20 M299 4-missile Hellfire launch systems
  
• 100 AGM-114R Hellfire Missiles

• 15 AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems
  
• 15 AN/APR-39A(V)4s Radar Warning Receivers
  
• 15 AN/AVR-2B(V)1s Laser Warning Systems

• Plus aircraft warranty, ammunition, air worthiness support, site surveys, facility construction, spare and repair parts, support equipment, communication equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, tool and test equipment, and other US Government and contractor support. The estimated cost is up to $700 million, or about $58.3 million per helicopter with weapons and support.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of 3 U.S. Government and 5 contractor representatives in Tunisia to support the delivery and training for 2-5 years. Sources: US DSCA #14-23, “Tunisia – UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters”.

DSCA request: Tunisia UH-60M Battlehawks (12)

Dec 30/11: Sikorsky in Stratford, CT receives an $81.2 million firm-fixed-price contract modification, “to convert UH-60M aircraft to the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces unique configuration.”

Discussions with Sikorsky representatives reveal that this add-on contract finalizes both the recent 14-helicopter order, and the original 26-helicopter order. Of the UAE’s contracted helicopters, 30 have been delivered so far, including all of the 14 helicopters ordered in 2009. Remaining conversions to the UAE’s base UH-60M configuration actually involve a few helicopters from the original order for 26 UH-60Ms. The contract for armed helicopter kits and qualification continues as a separate effort.

Work will be performed in Stratford, CT, with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/12. One bid was solicited, with one bid received by the UAE’s Foreign Military Sale contract agent, US Army Contracting Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).

Oct 11/11: UAE. Sikorsky in Stratford, CT receives a $38.3 million firm-fixed-price contract modification, as a follow-on to its Dec 29/09 contract to buy 14 UH-60Ms. Work will be performed in Stratford, CT, with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/12. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, AL manages this contract (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).

As noted earlier, this is not a confirmed Battlehawk contract. It will be up to the UAE to decide which of its 40 UH-60M helicopters to modify with the kits, though new-build machines may be seen as an easier option.

Feb 21/11: UAE. At IDEX 2011, the UAE announces an AED 993.5 million (about $270.5 million) order from Sikorsky, through the Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies Company, to upgrade 23 UH-60Ms with Battlehawk kits. This makes the UAE Battlehawk’s launch customer. The bulk of the work will be undertaken by the AMMROC maintenance, overhaul and repair joint venture between Sikorsky and Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies.

Sikorsky representatives later said that the number announced at IDEX isn’t necessarily their number. They did confirm that this Direct Commercial Sale contract includes the additional development and qualification work, for a kit that they believe will be among the most sophisticated helicopter weapons capabilities in the world. The first helicopters with their fully-qualified kits aren’t expected before 2014.

A 2nd AED 65 million (about $17.7 million) deal with Sikorsky will train Black Hawk pilots and technicians. Defense News | Janes.

UAE: Battlehawk contract

Dec 29/09: UAE. Sikorsky in Stratford, CT receives a $171 million firm-fixed-price contract to produce 14 UH-60M helicopters, plus conversion to the UAE’s unique configuration. Work is to be performed in Stratford, CT, with an estimated completion date of Dec 31/12 (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).

Sikorsky has confirmed that these are not full Battlehawk helicopters, just the exercise of an option that will raise the UAE’s total UH-60M fleet to 40 machines. Battlehawk kits will be a separate contract. See also Oct 11/11, Dec 30/11 entries.

UAE: 14 UH-60Ms

Sept 9/08: UAE. the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces the United Arab Emirates’ formal request to buy additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, plus weaponization kits and weapons/ Those kits would turn some UH-60Ms into multi-role attack helicopters that could transport troops, or operate in a light attack role alongside the UAE’s existing fleet of AH-64 Apache heavy attack helicopters.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) formal request includes:

• 14 more UH-60M helicopters with engines. When added to the previous order for 26, this option would bring the country’s UH-60M fleet to 40.
  
• 6 T700-GE-701D spare engines
  
• 14 AN/ALQ-144Av3 Infrared (IR) Countermeasure Sets
  
• 14 AN/APR-39Av4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets
  
• 14 AAR-57v3 Common Missile Warning Systems
  
• 14 AN/AVR-2B Laser Warning Sets

The request also states that the UAE is also looking to “weaponize” 23 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, and is interested in the following additional weapons.

• 30 M299 Hellfire launchers, each of which can hold 4 Hellfire missiles, or up to 16 DAGR laser-guided rockets, or any combination thereof. The UAE already operates these on its AH-64 fleet.

• 390 AGM-114N Hellfire II missiles. The AGM-114N is the “Augmented Metal Charge” (thermobaric/ fuel-air) version of the laser-guided Hellfire II. Its devastating explosions can kill or suffocate enemies in caves, collapse buildings, or do significant damage to enemies in an open blast area.

• 8 Hellfire training missiles.

• 23,916 MK-66 Mod 4 2.75″/ 70mm Rocket Systems in the following configuration: 1,000 M229 High Explosive Point Detonate, 540 M255A1 Flechette (anti-personnel darts), 1,152 M264 RP Smoke, 528 M274 Smoke Signature, 495 M278 Flare, 720 M274 Infrared Flare, 20,016 HA23 Practice rockets. The UAE’s TALON program with Raytheon is creating a bolt-on laser-guidance option for 70mm rockets like this.

• 22 of General Dynamics’ GAU-19 3-barrel, .50 caliber/ 12.7 mm externally-powered gatling gun systems.

• 93 of Dillon Aero’s M-134 6-barrel, 7.62mm ‘mini-gun’ gatling guns.

• Spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, ground support, communications equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, aircraft survivability equipment, tools and test equipment, and other related elements of logistics support.

The estimated cost of these items is $774 million. While the various sub-systems and weapons are made by a number of manufacturers, the principal contractors will be: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of Stratford, CT and General Electric of Lynn, MA (engines). The USE does have an active industrial offsets program, and will be requesting them in negotiations with the contractors involved.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 6-8 Contractor Field Service representatives to the United Arab Emirates for approximately 2 years after initial fielding, to assist in the delivery and deployment of the helicopters.

DSCA request: UAE (14 UH-60Ms and armed kits)

Additional Readings & Sources

DID would like to thank Sikorsky’s Ray Burke (Battlehawk Program Manager), Mike Ambrose (VP – International Military), and Matt Rodgers (Black Hawk program Marketing Manager) for their assistance and clarifications regarding the firm’s Armed Black Hawk programs.

• Sikorsky – BattleHawk(TM)

• Global Security – AH-60L / S-70 Battle Hawk.

Key Weapons & Systems

• FLIR Systems – BRITE Star. A day/night surveillance and targeting turret. Used in Level 2+ options. Level 1 Arpia-III S-70s appear to be using FLIR’s STAR Safire HD instead.

• DID – US Hellfire Missile Orders, FY 2011-2014. Includes a breakdown of the different Hellfire variants. The AGM-114R is the most recent.

• DID – Hydra, Awakened: Guided Air-Ground Rockets. Most are laser-guided, via bolt-on additions to standard 70mm rockets. Options include BAE’s APKWS-II, Elbit & ATK’s GATR, Kongberg & MDA’s CRV-7PG, Lockheed’s DAGR, Raytheon’s TALON, and Roketsan’s CIRIT.

• L-3 WESCAM – MX-15D. The “D” suffix indicates laser designation capability for laser-guided weapons. Used in Level 2+ options.

• RAFAEL – SPIKE Family of multi-purpose, tactical missiles. Dual IIR/ fiber optic visual command guidance; SPIKE-ER used on Israel’s Level 3 demonstrator.

• Nexter – Their THL 20 is a 20mm cannon turret designed to equip light helicopters.

News & Views

• Sikorsky (Dec 14/09) – Armed BLACK HAWK Demonstrator Completes Test Program. This is the Israeli demonstrator program.

• Jerusalem Post (Aug 30/09) – IAF testing new Black Hawk models [dead link]. Israel may be set to join Colombia and the UAE in this concept, though no commitment has been made: “The arming of the Black Hawk is being done jointly by the IAF, Sikorsky and several local defense contractors. One of the helicopters has already successfully test-fired an air-to-surface missile. The helicopter has also been equipped with a rapid-fire cannon that sits under the aircraft’s belly.”

Americas

Canadian Commercial Corp. won a $225 million contract for F-138 and component repair. F138 is the U.S. military designation of the General Electric CF6-80C2 high-bypass turbofan engine produced by GE Aviation. It powers the US Air Force’s Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy heavy strategic transport aircraft, the largest aircraft in the US military inventory. The aircraft has four F138 engines and each delivers a thrust of 51,000 lbf. The Canadian Commercial Corporation is a Canadian federal Crown corporation mandated to facilitate international trade on behalf of Canadian industry, particularly with governments of foreign countries. Canadian Crown corporations are state-owned enterprises owned by the Sovereign of Canada. This contract provides the Air Force with the depot repair support required for the F-138 engine and components. Work will take lace in Richmond, British Columbia and is expected to be finished by February 11, 2030.

The US Air Force is looking to reduce its Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II close air support fleet by proposing to cut its non-active force fleet by 46 aircraft, or by 33%, in fiscal year 2021. The USAF, according to its FY 2021 budget request released on February 10, would keep its active force A-10 fleet at 143 aircraft but the service would slash its Air National Guard fleet from 85 aircraft to 46 and also reduce its Air Force Reserve fleet from 55 aircraft to 48. Major General John Pletcher, deputy assistant secretary for financial management and comptroller, told reporters that these aircraft would be the oldest and least-ready aircraft, and that these cuts, combined with planned modernizations, would allow the USAF to have A-10s in seven squadrons flying into the 2030s.

Middle East & Africa

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems released a video on February 12, which showed its Drone Dome counter-UAV system for the first time using a laser to destroy commercial quadcopters. According to the company, the system achieved 100% success in all test scenarios during a demonstration carried out recently in Israel. The stages of the interceptions reportedly included target detection, identification, and interception with a high-power laser beam. The video showed a system mounted on a Land Rover using its electro-optical sensors to track a quadcopter and direct its laser beam onto it as it took evasive manoeuvers until it fell to the ground.

Europe

Airbus noted progress in the delivery of the promised capabilities of its A400M airlifter, but has been hit with additional penalty charges pertaining to continued programmatic shortcomings. The company successfully rebaselined its contract with the European defense agency OCCAR and the seven partner nations in July 2019 and continued to rollout the aircraft’s capabilities, but faced $1.3 billion in added charges across the wider programme, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said at the company’s annual press conference in Toulouse. The rebaselined contract with OCCAR and the launch nations of Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey, and the UK, is a cost neutral agreement designed to ‘achieve the A400M’s full suite of contracted capabilities and retrofit schedule while also keeping the programme on a sound financial footing’.

Asia-Pacific

India will not be able to take delivery of its aircraft carrier Vikrant due to delays in securing fighters to operate on board the ship. INS Vikrant is the first aircraft carrier to be built in India. The Financial Express cited Defense Minister Sripad Naik as saying that “issues with the delivery of aviation equipment from Russia” was the cause. However, TASS later quoted an anonymous Russia source saying Moscow has yet to receive any order for new MiG-29K carrier-borne fighters. The ship’s completion and commissioning had been delayed several times. She was originally intended to be delivered in December 2010 and commissioned in 2016. This however was later postponed, with sea trials to begin in 2017 and commissioning planned for 2018.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said on February 12 that a USAF MC-130J had flown over the Taiwan Strait on that morning from north to south direction. The press release added that a pair of B-52 bombers were off its east coast flying in the same direction as well. The ministry said it was aware of the flights and had monitored them throughout. The US Pacific Air Forces also confirmed that two B-52s had flown from Andersen Air Force Base on the US territory of Guam and conducted “synchronized training south of the Taiwan Strait with a US Air Force MC-130J” from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. The USA has no formal ties with Taipei but is bound by its Taiwan Relations Act to help it defend itself, and Washington is the island’s main source of arms.

Today’s Video

Watch: RAFAEL’s DRONE DOME with LASER Intercepts Multiple Targets

Americas

BAE Systems announced in a press release that it has received funding from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office to develop advanced analytics technology that will assist in the detection and deterrence of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) activity, helping to ensure national security. The technology will leverage multiple data sources and uses data fusion, adversary modelling, pattern matching, and machine learning techniques to detect and identify indications of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threat.

The US Army is slowing down its timeline to acquire a fleet of Joint Tactical Vehicles, an armored Humvee replacement that some have criticized as being better suited to past wars Breaking Defense reports. The Army’s budget for fiscal 2021 earmarks $894.4 million to buy 1,920 JLTVs of various configurations as well as 1,334 JLTV-T companion trailers. The Army began slowing its JLTV acquisition strategy last year, announcing it would buy 2,530 JLTVs in fiscal 2020, a significant reduction from its 2019 purchase of 3,393 vehicles. The JLTV was one of 93 programs the Army cut or reduced last year, putting roughly $30 billion in savings toward the Army’s ambitious modernization effort. Army leaders said last year that the service was considering lowering its procurement objective of buying 49,000 JLTVs by the mid-2030s.

Middle East & Africa

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it has developed a lightweight variant of its Fateh-110 family of tactical ballistic missiles called the Raad-500. Iranian television showed a ceremony during which IRGC commander Major General Hossein Salami and Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of its aerospace force, inaugurated the new missile’s production line at an unidentified location. Missiles were seen at various stages in the manufacturing process, including a motor body being made using a carbon fibre winding machine. The satellite, which Iran says was to be used for scientific observation, is part of a programme the United States has previously described as a “provocation”. According to the reports the Raad-500 has a range up to 500km. That is some 200km more than the Fateh-110, a ballistic ground-to-ground missile first unveiled in 2002 that weighs twice as much as the new missile. The Raad-500 is also equipped with new Zoheir engines made of composite materials lighter than earlier steel models, according to the IRGC’s Sepah News website.

Europe

The British Army is on its way to reach its soldier recruitment target for the first time since signing a $641.6 million contract with Capita in 2012 as part of the Recruiting Partnership Programme (RPP). As of February, 99% of its target for regular soldier recruits has started or been accepted and has a date to commence basic training. Capita expects to reach its target of 9,404 recruits for the year ending March 31. These latest figures come as a relief to Capita and the British Army after a 2018 National Audit Office report highlighted that the RPP had not met its annual target to recruit soldiers since its inception, leading to Capita openly acknowledging that it underestimated the complexity of armed forces recruitment.

Asia-Pacific

Lockheed Martin Corp. won a $67.6 million contract modification for upgrading Singapore’s F-16s. The aircraft are equipped with with Advanced Medium Range air-to-air missiles linked to a DASH-3 Mounted Sight. The deal modifies a contract awarded in 2015 with options that, if exercised, would bring the total value of the contract to $980.4 million. Upgrades for 60 of Singapore’s F-16C/D Block 52 Fighting Falcon fighter jets were approved earlier that year through the US Foreign Military Sales program. Work will take place in Fort Worth, Texas and in Singapore. Estimated completion date is June 30, 2023.

The US Department of State has approved a possible sale to India of military equipment comprising an Integrated Air Defense Weapon System (IADWS). The estimated value of the deal would be approximately $1.867 billion. The IADWS package that has been approved includes a range of sensors, weapons systems, and support equipment. Included in the potential sale are AN/MPQ-64Fl Sentinel radar systems, AMRAAM AIM-120C-7/C-8 missiles and associated guidance and control equipment, and Stinger FIM-92L missiles. The sale also includes M4A1 rifles, M855 5.56mm cartridges, and a range of other associated equipment. The announcement comes shortly before an anticipated trip to India by US President Donald J. Trump later this month. Trump is expected to visit India for a two-day trip between February 23 and 26.

Today’s Video

Watch: Indian Defence Updates : India Orders 1580 ATHOS,2330 ATGM Order,5 Patrol Vessels,Hypersonic Coating

Americas

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems won a $7.8 million contract modification, which provides for Group 5 Unmanned Air System intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services. The services are in support of outside the continental US Task Force Southwest and US Marine Corps operations utilizing contractor-owned/contractor-operated MQ-9 Unmanned Air Systems. The MQ-9 Reaper is the primary offensive strike Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for the US Air Force. Given its significant loiter time, wide-range sensors, multi-mode communications suite, and precision weapons, it provides a unique capability to perform strike, coordination, and reconnaissance against high-value, fleeting, and time-sensitive targets. Reapers can also perform the following missions and tasks: intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, combat search and rescue, precision strike, buddy-laser, convoy/raid overwatch, route clearance, target development, and terminal air guidance. Work will take place in Yuma, Arizona and Poway, California as well as other locations. Estimated completion date is May 2020.

The US Navy and Boeing announced the delivery of its first tiltrotor CMV-22B Osprey-variant aircraft. The plane will replace the aging C-2A Greyhound fleet of planes. It is designed to transport personnel and cargo from shore to aircraft carriers. The first Navy CMV-22B Osprey was delivered to the Navy at Bell’s manufacturing facilities in Amarillo, Texas. The planes will be based at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, and Naval Air Station Norfolk in Virginia. The CMV-22B, which first flew in December, carries up to 6,000 pounds for more than 1,150 nautical miles. It’s the only aircraft that can transport major components of the F-35C engine directly to a carrier flight deck, a critical capability for Navy logistics and support.

Middle East & Africa

Jane’s reports that The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces are operating the Norinco SR5 Multiple Rocket Launchers (MRLs). The UAE revealed the MRLs during a parade on February 9, which was attended by the crown princes of all seven emirates, the event was held at Zayed Air Base to celebrate the UAE’s military intervention in Yemen. Personnel from various military branches formed up on a parking apron flanked by military equipment that included an SR5 on each side. The Rocket Launchers were each fitted with six-round pods for 220 mm artillery rockets or King Dragon 60 laser- and GPS-guided surface-to-surface missiles with a maximum range of 70 km. The system can also be fitted with two pods each with 20 122 mm projectiles.

Europe

Boeing won a $22.2 million delivery order for the procurement of trailing edge flaps in support of the F/A-18 C-D aircraft. A Trailing Edge is the rear edge of an aircraft’s wing flap where the airflow separated by the Leading Edge, which is a part of the wing that first contacts the air, rejoins. The trailing edge is the location for essential control surfaces. The Hornets won a twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft. Work will take place in Emmen, Switzerland and St. Louis, Missouri. Estimated completion will be in February 2023. Switzerland funds in the amount of $10,9 million will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

Asia-Pacific

Elbit Systems has secured contracts worth about $136 million to provide airborne laser Direct Infra-Red Counter Measure (DIRCM) systems to undisclosed customers in Asia-Pacific. Elbit Systems will equip fleets of Airbus and Boeing aircraft with DIRCM systems. These systems will come from the Multi Spectral Infrared Countermeasures (MUSIC) family. The company will also provide its infra-red missile warning systems. These contract awards follow recent awards to install DIRCM systems onboard Airbus A400 aircraft of the German Air Force and onboard NATO’s Airbus A330 Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport fleet.

Japan launched an H-IIA rocket carrying an intelligence-gathering satellite from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA’s) launch site at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on February 9, local media reports. The optical-imaging satellite, called Information Gathering Satellite Optical 7 (IGS Optical 7), joined seven other IGS satellites – two other optical and five radar-imaging ones – designed to enhance Japan’s reconnaissance capabilities amid what Tokyo has described as a “severe” security environment in the region. Tokyo plans to add two more satellites to the constellation.

Today’s Video

Watch: CHINESE DF 21D vs AMERICAN SM6 – THIS IS HOW U.S NAVY WILL COUNTER THE ANTI SHIP MISSILE !

Americas

Lockheed Martin won a $347.7 million contract modification, which procures long lead materials, parts, components and support necessary to maintain on-time production and delivery of 43 lot 15 F-35 aircraft for non-Department of Defense participants and Foreign Military Sales customers. The F-35 is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather, stealth multirole aircraft. Just last week Poland signed a deal worth $4.6 billion to procure 32 to procure 32 F-35 combat aircraft. The F-35 program has had its ups and downs in the las couple of years. The Pentagons test office’s annual report on DoD programs for example found that the aircraft has 873 unresolved deficiencies from ongoing issues with the aircraft’s gun on the US Air Force variant, to a number of outstanding software problems. However, a recent poll conducted by Air Force Technology, shows that the majority of its readers are still in favor of the F-35. Work under the contract modification will take place in Texas, California, Florida, New Hampshire, Maryland, the UK and Japan.

Once again, the US Army trying to develop a replacement for its M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle fleet. However, this time, service leaders said they will not be fixated on set requirements or a firm fielding date. Bruce Jette, the army’s assistant secretary for acquisition, logistics, and technology (ASA[ALT]), and Army Futures Command (AFC) head General Mike Murray announced on February 7 that the service is restarting its Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) prototyping competition with a release of a market survey. The move comes just weeks after the service scraped the initial competition that called for the service to begin fielding the OMFV in 2026.

Middle East & Africa

CNN reported that two US troops were killed and six were wounded in an apparent insider attack in Afghanistan. The soldiers were involved in a firefight on February 8 in Sherzad district, Nangarhar province. The wounded service members are receiving medical treatment at a US facility. Between 12,000 and 13,000 U.S. troops are currently serving in Afghanistan. At the end of January the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction reported that the number of attacks initiated by the Taliban were the highest in the fourth quarter of 2019 than during any quarter since 2010. According to the same report, the number of American military casualties in 2019 – 23 deaths and 192 injuries – were the highest they have been since January 2015.

Europe

The Permanent Secretary for Defense recently informed the Public Accounts Committee hat the first Type 31 Frigate will be in the water by 2023 and that the in-service date will be in 2027. Earlier statements however had indicated that the in-service date would be 2023. According to the February 2020 update of the Naval Shipbuilding research briefing in the House of Commons Library, the approved in-service date for the Type 31 frigates is now 2027. The paper says: “On 20 January 2020 the MOD informed the Public Accounts Committee the approved inservice date for the first ship is 2027: Evaluation of the Preferred Bidder’s schedule and deliverability assessment has confirmed that Ship 1 will be in the water in 2023, with all ships accepted off-contract by the end of 2028. The IAC [Investment Approvals Committee] has approved the InService Date of Ship 1 for May 2027.” The Ministry of Defense also reportedly told the Commons Library “the competition we held demonstrated that no bidder could achieve a ship in the water before 2023” but suggested to the author that the in-service date could be earlier than 2027.

Asia-Pacific

The US government has given the green light for Australia to buy up to 200 AGM-158C, Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs). The Foreign Military Sale package is estimated to be worth nearly $990 million and includes eleven ATM-158C LRASM Telemetry Variant (Inert). Australia had requested to buy up to 200 AGM-158C, Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs); and up to eleven ATM-158C LRASM Telemetry Variant (Inert). Also included are DATM-158C LRASM, Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM-158C LRASM), containers, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US Government and contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) received the initial operational clearance for its Light Utility Helicopter, meaning that the company will now begin series-production of the single-engined platform. HAL said in a statement that three LUH prototypes had “cumulatively completed” over 550 test flights in diverse climatic conditions, including cold, hot, and humid weather, but did not provide a timeline. The company stated that the LUH’s “endurance and reliability” were further established after the platform flew for 7,000 km over 17 days from Bangalore to undertake “hot weather and high-altitude trials [in western and northern India] without any abnormalities”.

Today’s Video

Watch: ONE EA18G GROWLER CREW OF U.S NAVY FLEW TWO OTHERS SIMULTANEOUSLY IN SEMI AUTOMATED MODE !

On 21 April 2020, EDA will host a workshop on Cloud Computing Security, co-organised with the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Computer Emergency Response Team for the EU Institutions, Bodies and Agencies (CERT-EU). To prepare this workshop, EDA issued today a call for papers inviting industry to join the debate and provide input.  

The workshop will take into account the industry contributions which will help to determine the final programme and setting.

Interested parties have until 23 March to submit their contributions.  

The papers should be no longer than 1,500 words and not contain commercially sensitive information. They should focus on one or more aspects of cloud computing security and assess security challenges based on the contributor’s experience and propose potential solutions to specific problems.  

More details about the call and the conditions attached can be found here.